The crafty(not crappy) life of Christina Moreno

So what's going on with you?

2012-01-25T18:40:00.001-08:00

Oh my god...life has been one crazy busy ride during 2011-2012. But it's been a good one to me. I started school last year and learned to be on my feet more. My daughter started a new school as well. My boyfriend Manuel finally learned a big lesson on the financial aspect of life but has less stress now. I started a diet and so far lost a whopping 12lbs and 50 more lbs to go. We plan to move out after school so I can finally be on my own. It's a busy busy world for me but I'm taking it on.

Cosmetology school

2011-12-09T23:31:00.001-08:00

This year I started cosmetology school and let me tell you something. It takes a lot of guts and dedication to pass. I spend 10 hour a day for three days a week. Even when I graduate there is still so much more to learn. I can only hope that when I find a salon that has mercy on my soul and guides me in a good direction and not use me for just one purpose(i.e. shampoos and shitty jobs). So for now I can enjoy myself and the perks of having a hands on job.

What's in my bag:school edition

2011-10-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

1.A cup of comfort for parents of children with autism: stories of hope and everyday success. This book was given to me after enrolling Nikki into her new school from the principal. It is one of the many books I am reading on my good reads list.

2.Make-up bag

3.wallet

4.TDLR booklet(you must keep at your station at all time),business fundamental binder, and folder with every little paper that I need.

5.pens

6.business cards and 50% off vouchers to my school

7.phone

All Souls' Day place setting pattern

2011-07-27T23:18:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
I've been trying to explain a simple way to understanding crochet filet. It took me awhile to get it down and with the help of this pattern you will too.

Materials:
Any worsted weight yarn
Size G or F crochet hook
Scissors
Tapestry needle

abbreviation:
SC=Single crochet
CH=Chain
DC=Double Crochet
ST=Stitch(es)
BO=Bind Off

Crochet Filet equation: Inside each empty block are two stitches depending on them being filled using two double crochets as well as using a double crochet in between each block.

19 block X 3 stitches per block + 5 Chains for each end =62 stitches you need to chain to start.

Step 1: Ch 62 st
Step 2:DC into 8st from ch
Step 3:Ch 2 times then skip two stitches and DC into next stitch until end forming 19 blocks.
Step 4:Ch 5 times on top of the last 19th block then skip two stitches and DC into next stitch. Do this until you have three rows of boxes.
Step 5: Make 8 DC box
Step 6: DC 2 times into three boxes as well as in between.
Step7: Follow chart below on when to fill in boxes and when to not.

Celebrating Chadd Thomas

2011-07-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

Through the years since I was old enough to sneak into clubs underage and unnotice or old enough to buy beer i've gone to shows almost every weekend. On occasion making the short trip to Austin to walk downtown and visit friends. I've grown accustom to meeting and hanging out with musicians.But in our local subculture San Antonio music scene Austin musicians would come down almost every sunday to a local downtown watering hole called the Mix to croon to the broken hearted lovesick drinkers or dance the night away with their sweetheart who strolls with her friends with a trademark flower in her hair.
I cherish these time now a days since I've gotten older,stopped smoking and slowed down my drinking (I realized I was a 21-year-old female frank the tank).
Thinking about the endless stories I have witness puts a small grin on my face.
I hold these memories in my head since I've have lost so many friends along the way who have left the party of life before me.
I was shocked a few weeks ago to find out that Chadd(Chadd Thomas & the crazy kings) was found dead under a tree on S.Congress street the victim of three altercations in the span of a night that led to his death.
My thoughts and preys go to his family,friends,bandmates and his daughter.
I remember the last time I saw him he had played a gig at a local bar on the northside of town that I was hanging out at after I had finished tabling.
We talked about our daughters and he gave me a hug as he packed up and headed back towards Austin.
The police are still looking into what had happen that final night of Chadd's life.
To help out his family a few places around Austin and The Mix are having benifit shows in his honer.

Chadd-A-Palooza
July 31st
Trophy's
2008 South Congress Ave. 78704
Austin, TX
Johnny Hootrock, Blue Flames, Hotrod Hillbillies, Back Porch Mary, Darren Hoff and the Hard Times, Crazy Kings Last Stand, Landshark, Amplified Heat, Modern Don Juans, The Wolftones, The Moonhowlers, Danger*Cakes, Jackson Eli, Whisky Shivers, Sunny and the Starfires and more to be announed!! Raffles, barbecue plates and much more. There will be no charge to get in the door, but bring your POCKET books, people are encouraged to donate to the Madison Rose Thomas Trust.

The Chadd Thomas Memorial BBQ and Benefit Concerts
Uncle Billy's Lake Travis
6550 Comanche Trail
Austin, Texas
July 23: Jesse Dayton, Chris Gates & Gatesville, Johnny Hootrock
July 30: Rick Broussard’s Two Hoots and a Holler, The Crazy Kings, Riuby Dee and the Snakehandlers
August 6: The Wulftones, The Octanes, Ted Roddy, Glambilly
...
Special guests to be announced. Hosted by Mal Thursday, who will also serve as DJ, spinning some of the great Texas rockabilly 45s that Chadd Thomas loved so much.

I promise to post more about The Mix benifit information when the times comes please try to make it out to one. For someone who has graced us with an amazing voice and gift of music we should raise a glass and honor him.

sock sickness

2011-07-20T03:52:00.000-07:00

Everytime I attended a knitting/stitch'n'bitch group there was atleast one person making a pair of socks.
Now a days I can't look through ravelry post without seeing a WIP or finished sock project.
I admire the colors and designs but I can't help think to myself its only a pair of socks. Nothing special I have many pairs and they get holes fast forcing me to chuck'em. Why bother putting time and effort into making a nice pair only to be ruin by my fly of the seat of my pants day to day hectic work/school schedule.
But thats thats my inner hater showing and I'm quite amazed how people can make them so fast and how they fit them so well.
I have only tried and failed once on sock making and need to challenge myself in this field because I can do almost everything else.
I have taken some advice from a friends husband who almost knits every pair he owns.
I must admit there are alot of neat designs for me.

So here is an attempt....wish me luck.

knit,purl,knit, pearl brewery project with the yarn dawgs,

2011-03-18T10:49:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had met with Dino,Cros and Billy of the knitting graffit/rap group yarn dawgs outside La Gloria restaurant to contribute to the up and coming project in front of the Pearl Brewery.
Due to sickness I could only make three, two were used and #3 had a untimely demise with ink and was soon discarded.
We had put them up early then our original date a week or so before at 9pm on a windy night along Grayson street.
If you don't know about Grayson street its bests known for most notable landmarks such as Sam's Burger Joint,Nightmare on Grayson,tacoland and the pearl brewery.
A photojournalist came out from the Express News to ask questions and take pictures.
I wasn't sure if they would make it onto the website or paper but today I was happy to find a link. With this fun project up and out of the way I am teaming up with Brandy owner of B.Link designs for the international yarn bombing day on June 11,2011.

Keep in mind that you shouldn't cover the entire sign and/or any information but only the pole itself. I encourage everybody even if your a beginner to make a swatch and put it up on this day.

Finding the time.

2011-03-18T10:05:00.001-07:00

Oh man I've been busy with school and of course neglecting the blog(sorry).
School has been handing my ass to me instead of derby.
Can't find the time to attend a speed class or skate at the rink because I have been spending 10-11 hour days cutting hair inside of a classroom.
I've been hell bent on getting out of the classroom and getting onto the salon floor since day one and focus on my g.p.a as well.
Until my two years are up I hope to pass with flying colors.
I'm still crafting but I've only stuck to crochet/knitting and a small amount of jewelry making. I plan to make my whole shop skull themed.
But stay tuned I am a craft reviewing machine with alot of free time during the night to get the word out.

Its a AlabamSlama!

2011-03-18T10:03:00.001-07:00

Craft word of the month:

2011-02-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

Craft binge-noun
1. a period or bout, usually brief, of excessive indulgence crafting.

Example:
Krista couldn't sleep so she spent all morning on a craft binge.

....as of now (1:53) is still on one. Its now my second trip to the craft store and here is some best advice I can give anybody. DON'T GO TO THE CRAFT STORE ON SUNDAY! Its just a bad idea because there are hoards of people. Not to forget mean old ladies giving you the stink eye because you walk in with black clothing and a shirt with skulls & cross bones on it. Yet you somehow always meet them in the line at the register as they take FOREVER to buy fake flowers and fumble with a check book or money(think 1,000 pennies or writing the check out in roman numerals).
Yes I know I'm an evil person for making fun of old ladies but I have my reasons and I don't deserve dirty looks just because I rock my alternative style.
So on a brighter note!
I've been making Day of the dead mask and trying my hand at the find art of paper mache.So look forward to more pictures and I maybe starting a feature local artist post every month.

Its been too long.

2011-01-27T07:51:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody out there I know I've been a bad girl not blogging for awhile.
I had to give myself(and my hands) a break from crafting,knitting and crocheting.
With the new year I did like so many others have done before me. Make a resolution to work off the holiday bulge.
I took on the roller derby workout challegne and have lost nine pounds so far. I also plan to run the get your rear in gear 5k run. With that happening I'm about to start my first year at cosmetology school I'm super excited and nervous.Don't know what to expect but only hope it will be a great expirence.

I can never forget about the craft scene in San Antonio as well as derby which both own my heart.
My friends who use to own Sew Deluxe have now located and changed the name of there craft/sewing base to The DIY Factory.
Stop on by February 4 at 529 San Pedro Ave San Antonio, TX 78212 and sign up for classes in sewing,knitting,crocheting,silkscreening,ceramics and more.

Now onto Derby our very own Alamo city rollergirls will be having there own season opening game on March 13th at the Rollercade on 223 recoleta. Don't forgot to buy your season tickets!

Rudos y Tecnicos

2010-12-12T13:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the best event of the year at Gallista Gallery for Rudos Y Tecnicos: A lucharrific San Antonio extravaganza which is a lucha libra theme event held by http://www.aztecgoldtv.com/ that included one hell of an amazing art show with an artist lucha match,an actually lucha wrestling match, vendors and djs galore.I stayed inside until the wrestling match since it was cold and windy. I made a good amount enough to cover my fee and for Manuel and I to shop for some wall art as well as add to our skull/skeleton collection. I sold alot of ornaments since it was the season as well as a few hats and some leftover hair clips.

Usually when I table events Its either a hit or miss but this was difently a hit.
I enjoyed tabling the gallista gallery everytime everybody is so nice and social. Some of the other vendors remember me from smART fair and I also met some really cool people. It was funny because I bumped into my teacher who I found out is a drummer of a Alternative rock band(can you say small world?).

I enjoyed the Artist match which poked fun of Kay Bailey Hutchison,the Donkey Lady and addressed issues on the dream act and much more.
While Dj Refried spinned the night away I got to see my first lucha wrestling match.
All in all I had a great time and would like to do this again.

(Aztec Gold,L.A David,Donkey Lady and Roller Girl Lucha Dora)

Five things to give your knitter or crocheter for Christmas.

2010-11-30T17:39:00.000-08:00

Its that time of the year again...you know where you spend countless hours fighting traffic,cooking,wrapping,shopping and spending time with your family and friends opening god awful gifts. I'm not gonna lie I've gotten something almost every year that was totally not me. Birdhouses,old lady lotions and soaps you name it. It was given to me. So here is my top five things to give the fiber artists in our lives.

5.Yarn Bowl by http://knitwitch.com/

$40.00
If you don't own a swift or ball winder a yarn bowl is for you.
It keeps your ball still and feeds through a small duct keeping animal hair and dirt off your yarn as you work your project.

4.Twinkie Chain's crochet goodies for fashion foodies

If you have a sweet treat but you don't wanna eat then I suggest you warm up and wear it.With How-to's on making Twinkie's signature cupcake scarf and many other sweet treat patterns that are well put together for any crocheter.
This is the pattern book of the year for you.

3.Cascade Yarns 220 Wool

If you ask anybody what the best yarn in the world is they most likely will say its Cascade Yarn 220. Soft with a vast color collection and priced from $6-$13.
A great personal yarn for your own stash or a great gift for your fellow stitch'n'bitch secret santa.

2.Knitting Zombie T-shirt $20.00

www.etsy.com/shop/harveyjamesharvey
I Love Zombies and I love Knitting so lets put them on a t-shirt of a Sexy Zombie Girl knitting human guts and brains. Its a win and I'm sure to gross out my family this season.

1.Magnet Bookmark - Pattern Keeper $10

http://www.etsy.com/shop/slippedstitchstudios
When your knee deep in a pattern you can get confused or frustrated if you lose your place or repeat the same row you just did.
With a sweet border of your choice keeping your place by magnets that sandwich the paper to insure you that you won't lose where you left off.
Two words....stocking stuffer.

Recovering after Thanksgiving and Black Friday

2010-11-28T08:51:00.000-08:00

So my Thanksgiving was great but busy. I had to make three stops(my dad's house,my aunt's house and my boyfriends parents house) and make three batches of a side dish nobody remembered but ate.This year I decided to check out Black Friday and believe me it was insane and to be honest I was against the whole idea of buying stuff at midnight and 3am since I'm all about buying handmade. Since people complain about how we don't help out the economy by buying more crap but if its for the people that deserve alittle more like your parents or children in the family.Then spend for that one day out of the year. Since we were already awake and the kiddo was spending the night at my mom's house we headed to Wal-mart to see hoards of people standing around objects waiting for midnight. Once it did a giant rush of people grabbed up everything that wasn't nailed down in the middle. I saw a man pushing a cart with two shop vacs since they were on the midnight madness sale. Thinking to myself why would you need two shop-vacs? But thats the holidays for you people do crazy things so since Halloween and Thanksgiving are done we have the mega holiday of them all on the way. So keep posted for many blog post to come.

making christmas making christmas.....plus my article on Craft test dummies.

2010-11-16T10:54:00.000-08:00

At the moment this is a wonderful time to start making knitted or crochet items for Christmas. I had to start early in October to finish ornaments for my naked tree as well as make a christmas card list to finally catch up on making gifts.
A few years back The San Antonio Current did a wonderful article on some of the local artist and crafters in the scene that took a handmade approach to Christmas.
Since then I have been answering questions left and right about almost everything there is to know about fiber arts and tools.
I have recently teamed up with blogger craft test dummies to write an article to educate the masses that are interested in learning.
Understanding how to make certain stitches from a book is tricky and not many can learn that way. I suggest to still keep the book around and use youtube as a private tutor to make something worth giving.
This year take the handmade plegde and only buy or make handmade to give this year.

TV TIME! (part 1)

2010-10-27T16:01:00.000-07:00

I'm guilty of watching tv while working on a project.
I sit up in bed next to my boyfriend Manuel with a few skeins of yarn working on whatever project I have to finish.
Yes I know all the hipsters out there are telling me I'm killing brain cells and numbing my mind but how else are we going to humor and entertain ourselves.
If I stand infront of the microwave or talk on a cell phone for an hour that will do more damage trust me we all can't hide from whatever will hurt us the most.
So here is a quick spin of my weekly Television diet.

HOARDERS(A&E)

You can never tell unless you walk into someones house if they are a hoarder.
Some deny it orthers admit it and have to change.
The night they show it all of my friends go crazy scrubbing walls and throwing away old papers. I have cleaned out my craft room throwing out old craft projects from when I was a pre-school teacher which takes up alot of space.
Its amazing how people will try to keep the most grosses things.

Sons of Anarchy(FX)

I'm a big fan I'm in love with Juice Ortiz. Something about a bad boy biker keeps me glued. The all star cast is amazing and I keep getting suprised by guest stars like Stephen King and Henry Rollins. I DVR every episode when not at home. I have finished many projects while watching it on the big screen.

Ugly Americans(Comedy Central)

Yes I can admit I am a 27-year-old women that watches cartoons but there is a catch. Its on comedy central and it comes on after south park. I like this show alot because if our world consist of real life monsters they would have to go through the system of everyday life like we all do. Support groups,work and relationships consume the lives of these "ugly americans" and the people around them.

Part 2 of my TV diet will come after halloween but for now I must get to cooking pasta and carving a pumpkin.

I've been a very busy busy girl.

2010-10-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

Since the start of October I have been slammed non-stop with table gigs.
It has been great and wonderful meeting new people and seeing old friends.
I now need to make more hats and purses.
Oh man its a crazy life to me.
Last night was Bitefest and on Monday it will be Lil'Bits Halloween Birthday Bash at Sam's Burger Joint. So I have to see what I can come up with as a costume. Last Wednesday I was dressed in black sporting Day of the Dead facepaint. So if you have any ideas please comment or e-mail me.
Other wise enjoy the video of all the crazy things that happen at Bitefest.

Current knitting/crocheting movie.

2010-10-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

Current Movie:(2005) Walk the Line

Current project: Trying the art of crochet filet.

October is breast cancer awareness month.

2010-09-26T08:59:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between ages 40 and 55.

In honor of the women that haved lived or are living with this battle. Yarn companies like lion brand are selling knit for life kits. Its for a great cause to go down to Joann fabric and buy some nice pink yarn and make a great hat or scarf to sport for the season.

I'm starting a new topic called pattern round up for each month from now on so not to be neglectful and to keep myself blogging daily.

Breast Cancer Awareness Slouch Hat by April Draven @ http://aprildraven.blogspot.com/
type of craft:crochet
pattern

Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbonby Cylinda Mathews @ http://www.crochetmemories.com/

Type of craft:crochet
pattern

Tit Bits by Beryl Tsang
type of craft:knitting
Pattern

Breast Cancer Awareness Coffee Sleeveby Brett Parker aka the yarn doctor
type of craft:knitting
pattern

Pink Ribbon Hatby Carissa Browning @ http://carissaknits.blogspot.com/
type of craft:knitting
pattern

Deadlines are due for some of the best table gigs in october.

2010-09-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

Hurry Hurry Hurry!

Deadlines are due for two major halloween events.

The deadline for Dia De Los Craftos are due Oct 3rd.
The event will be held at Pedicab(415 E.Cevellos,San Antonio,TX 78204) right next door to la tuna on Oct 30th,2010.
You can download an application from the site http://www.alamocityhandmade.com/

The 3rd Annual Bite Fest is a Festival that will take place October 23, 2010 at Korova(107 E.Martin) in downtown San Antonio, TX. This years’ theme is “Dia De Los Muertos”. We will be featuring entertainment such as Bands, Magicians, Burlesque Performers, DJs, Vendors and more! Fees are due Oct 1st.For more information contact evproduction@yahoo.com

Craft word of the day:

2010-09-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

Craftytasking:
To craft and multi task.

Crazy Crochet

2010-08-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

Usually when you think of crochet you think of granny squares from 70s.
Now a days crochet has come along way with the Japanese crochet art of Amigurumi.At the moment I am making a wedding gift for friends from the book "Creepy,Cute Crochet" by Christen Haden.
Its an amazing book filled with Zombies,skeletons,knights and devils.
So as of recently I have been searching ravelry,etsy and many craft blogs for my top three creepy crocheted or knitted patterns/items.

#3. Pyramid Head from Silent Hill

For those who don't know who or what the hell this is...allow me to educate you. Silent Hill is a survival-horror video game about a player/character looking for his wife in the town of silent hill. Pyramid Head stalks the player and does a whole mess of other things to other monsters and characters in the game.

#2 Sam from the movie Trick'r'Treat

Sam is a crossed between "little big planets sack boy" character and one pissed off little trick or treater.pattern

#1 Bloody Choker by theblueviolet

$15.00 @ her etsy

passing onto new things.

2010-07-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

Yes I know I haven't been on in awhile. Forgive me I have some what of a life that consumes me(my daughter) and that I have joined roller derby.
With that I have been busy as a bee to get the first Alamo City Knitting Society fall kick off yarn bombing.

What is yarn bombing you ask? Its a type of street art which knitted or crochet swatches are used to cover poles,trees and other street fixtures as a type of graffiti. check out the following links to get an idea of what its about.

http://yarnbombing.com/

Wikipedia:Yarn Bombing

Fall kick off invite

Add the Alamo City Knitting Society

Women in groups that carry glue guns and knitting needles should be feared.

2010-04-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

Every spring time I go on a wild goose chase with my crafty friends to table at a rockabilly event that I look forward to and call my mini-vacation.
The Lone Star Round Up is a geasers mecca held every year in Austin,Texas.
Besides this event I am now in a league of San Antonio women that make social events fun when selling our wears.
The D.I.Y Dolls consist of me,Missy May'd,Lucy Von Hot and Sarita as a group of women tabling car shows and support events.
So go check out the site and stay tune for local shows.
-K

Up coming gigs that I will be selling at.

2010-02-20T15:15:00.000-08:00

Regretsy.com

2010-02-16T20:41:00.000-08:00

Oh Regretsy I love how you make my days less crappy with your random post of what people call handmade when they try to sell it on etsy.
Something caught my eye while I was looking and I had to post it here to have everyone else enjoy it.

If you can't tell by the bad screen printed job its Edward from Twlight.
I don't know about you but the person that would spend $45 plus s/h to have this creepy looking CPR dummy lay next to them in bed would have to be a very lonely women. If they really want to make some money they could attach a sex toy to the dummy and then they would be worth the $45.

The battle of the Social Networks.

2010-02-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

So I caved in and got back into Twitter. I thought to myself "why am I still logging into myspace when all I get are friend request from people I don't know who don't have anything in common with me or bands I wouldn't listen to even if you gave me a million bucks to. So I became the social whore and linked my facebook and Twitter page. I can annoy and update people on all the crap I make for the shop along with table events and show listings. So for now please enjoy my boring life as you can follow me on Twatter or sit on my facebook.

Ravelympics 2010

2010-02-12T10:24:00.000-08:00

For those who don't know what the Ravelympics are. Allow me to school you in a knitting/crocheting version of the Olympics.www.ravelry.com is a beta community for fiber artists(aka knitters and crocheters)if you are interested in joining keep in mind there is a waiting list but the good part is its not a long wait.Lot of groups are on Ravelry and sometimes they compete in many categories from Mittens,Socks and WIPS(works in progress).
This year I was too late to start my own team and sad to only find out that the only Texas team is a spinning team. Sucks to be me for now but next time I will be ready.

So the event I picked is Mitten Moguls and the pattern I am doing is knockout handwarmers. I haven't made them before so I would like to give it a try.

We don't cast on until the ceremony begins which is 6:30pm in my neck of the woods.Our deadline or finishing line isn't until the 28th of this month.
So with that I leave you root for me!
I can hear the "eye of the tiger song" playing in the background.

Handmade gifts for guys

2009-11-30T14:20:00.000-08:00

(Krista Moreno's holiday gift guide)

Each year I pull my hair out trying to find
something for the men in my life.
Guys are always hard to shop for or make anything for.
If you are like me that has taken the vow of the
handmade pledge. Here are some gifts for the men in
your life.

The film buff
They have almost every cult classic on dvd.
When Tarantino makes a new movie they are there
when it hits the theater.

Fight club soap

$5 for a 4oz bar
with the scent of bay rum and made with vegetable glycerin soap.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SerendipityEight

The Gamer
These type of guys have almost every game system known
to mankind. So this best bet if you are a knitter is
to knit a DS case with an old school feel.

Click here to print out chart

The Gadget geek
This person has an iphone or anything else from the apple store.
My Father falls under the category since I have been subjected to
random computers ripped open and being "fixed" into new computers.
I see where I get it from.

Hard drive clocks

$45 for two clocks made form laptop hard drives.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TECOART

Sports/Football
Every year when the Dallas Cowboys play almost every male member
of my family is glued to the love seat yelling at the tv(hence my Father as well).
So if you sew almost every fabric shop sells sport team fabric.
Make a pillow for when they lose and he can have something soft to throw at the tv.

The Boy child
For any child in the house under the age of five this is a perfect idea/gift.
To be a super hero for a day.

Supreme Superhero Princess Pack Cape Tee Mask and Gloves As seen On Good Morning America
$54

http://www.etsy.com/shop/babypop

The Music Nerd
This is the type of guy that has a massive vinly collection and is a musician or dj.

Mix tape Ninja t-shirt

$29
http://www.etsy.com/shop/beta

So I send out all hope,help and joy to whoever reads this to have an amazing Christmas.
-K

A knitting challenge!

2009-10-12T17:00:00.001-07:00

Last year I took on a challenge to make twenty beanies by the end of the year. I did infact conquer it but haven't gotten around to giving away the beanies so for now until I have the free time they are in a box in my studio waiting for that day.At the moment I'm only focusing on one small challenge and its only one beanie(Thank god). My friend Art had asked me if I could knit or crochet anything? I told him if there is a pattern for it I'm sure it can be done.
You see Mr.Rios is into video games and he plays a character with a very cool looking beanie. Its been a million years since I picked up a controller. I use to have a super nintendo that came with super mario brothers. I also loved playing sonic the hedge hog on saga as well but I lost interest when I got out of junior high. I soon discover that alot of knitters are into video games as well.

So Art sends me a few pictures and it took me a few seconds to look over them and study the beanie. So here it is what its suppose to look like.

But I did hit a road block with the choice of yarn. In the beginning I had picked out sock yarn that was not working well with a beanie.
So I dug around my stash and low and behold I found some leftovers.
The red yarn is thick and perfect I only used a small amount so there was enough.
The yellow was also scarps from the lucha mask I had knitted from the son of a stitch in bitch book.

So we are running on good progress and I give myself until the end of the month to be done with this.

Hot Topic taking a cue from crafters

2009-10-09T10:37:00.000-07:00

I don't hate Hot topic I just know you can get the same stuff for cheaper.
EXAMPLE:

Two bows $8
But if you head on over and check out my friend Lucy Von Hot most of the bows are $4.Not just bows and jewelry can be sold for more but since the winter season is just around the corner. Alot of knitted or crochet items are being mass produced and over priced as well.
Instead of paying $29.99 the pattern can be found on the web for free. Head pieces like the picture below are also sold for more then $20 but with the power of the glue gun you can make it.

Being single and knitting...

2009-09-29T22:45:00.000-07:00

I take a cue from an article I did when I was newly single titled Love vs Knitting which was posted on Snippets online craft zine which is apart of cut out and keep.
I have been knitting my ass off and making progress with my shop added new items like scarves and bags with skulls and crossbones on them using a chart from punk rock domestics.

I have also been writing about my new single life and its many perks as my 26-year-old self with a sex in the city alternative twist.

Pasties!

2009-09-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

I got into the habit of making pasties now and people are loving it.

My new favorite place to visit online now is http://burlesquepasties.blogspot.com/

Well Damn if I do and damn if I don't.

2008-10-22T23:27:00.000-07:00

Yes I know I am bad for not updating. Thats why a blog ring had to let me go because I didn't update. I have been super busy with DIY Factory stuff.
If I haven't mentioned The DIY Factory before then allow me to educate you on what it is. Unlike your Grandma's craft shows we do not use the work craft show.
Well only to the people that don't understand me. The DIY Factory is a yearly event to celebrate indie designers,artists,and crafters alike in the San Antonio area.
This is our second time around so we are going all out.
Last year all I did was mess with musicians and sell items from my shop but now I have taken on being one of the many designers for the fashion show,Pick and pull together a craft to do for the make-n-take table and still help musicians as well.
Its alot on my plate but it makes me feel happy to see people showing up.

http://www.thediyfactory.org/
The DIY Factory Myspace page

An online article from moi.

2008-09-13T14:28:00.001-07:00

Awhile back I had submitted an article to Snippets Magazine an online zine from the people who made http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/. They featured my Love Vs Knitting article and featured a skinny pocket scarf I had made a pattern for. I am so happy I want to tap dance.

Babies,babies and more babies.

2008-08-31T18:44:00.001-07:00

Must be something in the water...

So my friends are expecting this and I want to take on the challenge of making things for babies. Since my baby is already grown up I never had the time to knit for her.

So here are my top five patterns that my friends will get at their showers.

1.Baby's first tattoo

2.Hoodie baby blanket

3.Bunny Blanket Buddy

4.Ghostskulls: Baby Beanie with Skull Motif

5.Saartje's Bootees

I wanna be a Knit Girl!

2008-08-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

Yes I submitted for Septembers Knit Girls.
Vote for me!
go to:

and click the vote section for which I(CitizenSugarKane)am at.

New Yarn Storage!

2008-08-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

You LIKE? I like!
The old closet unit my Grandpa(RIP) had made me when I was in high school was painted black with skulls awhile back. I cleaned it up moved it into the room to give myself more closet room.

Everytime I come into the room its like watching yarn porn.
I also keep my books along with knitting and craft books in it as well.

I love getting stuff in the mail.

2008-08-04T23:00:00.001-07:00

A buttload of yarn came in the mail today and all I have to say is WOOHOO!
First package was my lion brand incredible ribbon yarn to make my pixie shoulderette.
Which I might rock out at this up and coming diy factory in November(more details coming soon).

Then I got a giant lot of different colored Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted.So I must thank Linda for hooking me up.

How to video on just about everything.

2008-07-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

I have saved a few videos on youtube in my favs so if you guys want to check them out go to:http://www.youtube.com/user/xcitizenx.

Not to forget I have all the good channels on there as well Threadbangers,Everyday Hardcore and the bead club.

How to make plastic bags into yarn.

2008-07-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

I found these tutorials on Youtube and I am in the work with making my own plastic bag yarn creations.

Ravelry is the new black.

2008-07-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

My Friend Mary Jo(aka La_Luna) got me hooked onRavelry. So I have turned this blog besides being my craft blog into my knitting/crochet blog.

2008-04-27T15:48:00.001-07:00

Top Five sellers I can't live without!

2008-04-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

5.Dog Bone Art
www.DogboneArt.etsy.com

4.Kimazier
www.kimazier.etsy.com

3.Tofuguns
www.tofuguns.etsy.com

2.CBT Closet
www.cbtscloset.etsy.com

1.Horizonte
Horizonte

Kat Von D getting crafty!

2008-04-02T21:49:00.000-07:00

Crafting on the cheap part 1:jewelry

2008-03-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

One of the main reasons why I decided to buy handmade and make handmade as well was that in high school. If I had went out to the mall or any other hip store and bought a necklace or earrings. The meanest girl in my school would have the same pair on the next day. Not to forget at my junior prom I had spent a $100 on this Gothic style dress only to show up and see another girl with the same dress.
So I took action and started putting together jewelry with my own personal touch to it. My Mom at the time had started making her own jewelry to go with clothing she would wear to work. From my Mom I had learned the basic steps and tips of jewelry making. Which I must share with everyone who reads this blog.

Tips for tools:
Now don't be that person who is stuck in the jewelry section of your craft store wondering where the hell to begin. Then out of nowhere when trying to find tools but become shocked at the price.

You will only need two tools to help you in making whatever you want without having to face the craft store.
All you have to do is go to your local hardware store.

Needle nose pliers come in many sizes and help with moving and bending wire as well as open and close jump rings.

Wire cutters these work well with removing extra wire or metal from your project.

The only tool I suggest you buy from the craft store is a clasp crimp when you want to make necklaces.

www.manabeads.com shows a easy tutorial on how to close the ends of your necklace.

Supplies:
When it comes to supplies there are many resources for finding supplies. If you plan on just making projects for yourself and others as gifts and what not.
Then the craft store sells different types of findings and in small amounts.

Now if you plan on opening an online store or produce a large amount. Then the best suppliers is ebay.com or etsy.com. Along with many other websites depending on amount and shipping. You'll get a bang for your buck.

Shrinky dink jewelry tips!

2008-03-23T22:47:00.000-07:00

As a kid you were given shrinky dinks to over come your boredom when it came to bad weather and not being able to get outside of the house.
Well now you can go back to being a kid again with this fun project.

Now lets learn how to make some shrinky dink jewelry.

Before you go out and buy anything you most know there are three different kinds of paper.
1.Regular white
2.Frosted
3.Printable

They are all 8" by 10" sized sheets.The frosted and regular white come with ten sheets. Only the printable comes with six sheets(so use wisely).
Its better to get them at the craft store then to order online.
They are most likely in the scrapbook or children's craft section.

Printable is the easy way to make shrinky dinks but there is a catch when putting it in the printer. You have to make sure that the rough side is facing the area its going to be printed on. It is not printed on the rough side it will come out very runny and will smudge.

Frosted works best when traced or drawn on and give the dink a stain glass look to it.It also makes really cool Christmas ornaments. Just like the printable paper it also works best on the rough side. It works on both sides of the paper as well.

Regular white is easy to trace but you have to let it dry for a few seconds so it does not run or smudge.

Materials you will need:
Jump rings

Hole puncher

Different colored sharpies

Once you have designed your shrinky you will need to punch a hole with you hole puncher. Then you will need to cut out the shape of the shrinky and get ready for baking time.

Now you can use both your regular oven or toaster oven but trust me its easy and simply to just use your toaster oven. Pre-heat your oven from 275*-300* F(which won't take long for the toaster oven).

Now the steps call for a cut rectangle shape from a brown grocery bag but I have done this many time with the grocery bag and all my shrinkys come out stuck to the bag or when I peel them off the paper rips off and gets stuck to the back.
Here is an alternative to the paper bag.
The pan that fits inside the toaster oven works find but don't put the shrinkys on it just yet. Take a rectangle shape of aluminum foil and smooth it over the pan so it is nice and flat.

Then once you have everything ready place your shrinkys in the oven.
Once again it says you can leave it in for 3-5 minutes but I don't suggest it.
Just keep an eye on it but don't freak out at the wonder of its shrinking.

It will uncurl its self and lay flat in just a few seconds.
Now if it appears that one side of the shrinky does not go down flat.
WITHOUT Burning yourself push down so it lays flat.

Turn off your oven and everything cool off for a few minutes.
Once they have cooled down take your jump ring and place through the area you hole punched. Close it with a pair of needle nose pliers and there you have it.
Shrinky dink jewelry for earrings,necklaces and what not.

Thank you
Krista Moreno

I popped my etsy cherry FINALLY!

2008-03-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

It took me FOREVER to finally sell something on etsy.
But one girl decided to go ahead and buy a pair of 80s heart earrings.
Which I am glad she did but I need to jump on the ball and get my promotional pictures done to have something printed to put in the mail.

My Lezbot the pinkdot inspired work

2008-03-12T08:22:00.001-07:00

One of the vendors that I like the most is called Lezbot the pinkdot(Lezbot the Pinkdot on myspace.So I added my own little twist after finding my Grandmother's old washing machine owner's manuals.

Hello and Welcome!

2008-03-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

I decide to keep my crafts in a blog to itself. Since everything looks like a big mess when you look through my myspace blog or livejournal. I believe I bore my non-crafty friends with my ramblings about yarn and what 1970s knitting design I make fun of. This will be the blog that I document my work on the DIY factory,Alamo City Knitting Society and promoting Martini MaMa as well.

But I get to focus on the road trips I take for Stitch and Lone star round up along with other craft fairs I go to. Covering my tabling at local shows and events(First Friday and South Tex Showdown) as well.

So please enjoy my endless bitchy rants on the craft world.

-Krista Moreno